Affidavit of Loss: What Is It, When Do You Need It, and Where to File

An affidavit of loss is a legal declaration that your personal property has been lost, most frequently due to misplacement, theft, or destruction.

A sworn declaration, known as an affidavit of lost document, is used to confirm that a document was lost and to ask for a replacement. Although losing a crucial document can be unpleasant, the recovery process can be much simpler.

Anyone can write an affidavit of loss. If you wish to write one, you have to include all the necessary information.

July 14, 2023

Affidavit of Loss: What Is It, When Do You Need It, and Where to File

Table of Contents

Affidavit of Loss: What Is It, When Do You Need It, and Where to File

Q: What is an Affidavit of Loss?

An affidavit of loss is a legal declaration that your personal property has been lost, most frequently due to misplacement, theft, or destruction. It includes all the information about the loss. This consists of the owner’s name and any specifics about the item. Serial numbers and the security release date are two examples of this data. Following the statement, you must provide a letter of indemnity demanding the security replacement.

People may need to submit this affidavit to obtain a certified copy in place of a government-issued document, such as a marriage license, property title, passport, driver’s license, and others.

Q: What is an Affidavit of Lost Document?

A sworn declaration, known as an affidavit of a lost document, confirms that a document was lost and asks for a replacement. Although losing a crucial document can be unpleasant, the recovery process can be much simpler.

To inform a court or a government agency that a document has been lost and that the affiant (the person providing the affidavit) would like a certified copy of the original, an affidavit of the lost document must be submitted. This affidavit verifies that the affiant has tried everything possible to locate the original document.

Q: Can I Write an Affidavit of Loss?

Anyone can write an affidavit. If you wish to write one, you have to include all the necessary information, such as the following:

Then, take it to a public notary office for notarization to validate it. For a less complicated process, it is best to go to a public notary office and ask for an affidavit of loss. The average price for it is around PhP 350. However, if you want a more affordable option, you can download the affidavit of loss template below, supply it with accurate information, and have it notarized. Notarization of documents starts at around PhP 100 in 2023.

Q: When Should I Get an Affidavit of Loss?

An affidavit of loss may be required whenever someone misplaces a document that cannot quickly be replaced. Examples include the destruction, theft, or defacing of a property’s title, registration, or license plates of cars to the point where they are no longer functional.

There may be a time when you unintentionally misplace an essential document. The owner must swear an affidavit detailing the loss of the item if the record is taken, lost, or destroyed. It states that the record has vanished to the best of the person’s knowledge. The original document must also be sent to the appropriate agency for destruction if the lost copy resurfaces after the owner receives a replacement copy.

Q: Where Should I File the Affidavit of Loss?

Submit a loss affidavit to inform a registrar’s office, court, or other agency that the original document has been lost. The affiant, or person filing the affidavit, must file the affidavit to get a new certified copy of the lost document.

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